PMC steps in to keep city quiet

As per the norms set by Indian Road Congress (IRC), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started installing 'Silent Zone' signboards near Sassoon and Jehangir hospitals and SP and Fergusson colleges. The PMC will install at least four such signboards near the Shivaji Nagar Court area.

Shush, it's a silent zone: A PMC employee displays the newly prepared Silent Zone signs, which will be installed at 750 spots on a priority basis. Pic/Vivek Sabnis

With the wedding season set to begin in the city, the PMC has identified a total of 1,195 spots in the city which are prone to sound pollution because of loud music and fire crackers.

Spots identifiedThe civic body has identified 201 spots near hospitals, 230 near colleges, 687 near schools and 77 near courts and will mark and instal signboards there by next year.

The norms set by the Central Pollution Control Board for silent zones requires sound levels to be restricted to 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.

"In a recent survey, we have identified about 1,195 silent zones in the city," said Mangesh Dighe, head of the Environmental Cell of the PMC. "In the first phase, we will place the plaques only at 750 spots on a priority basis. With each round plaque costing about Rs 2,700, the PMC will spend Rs 14 lakh on the project initially."

In areas such as Prabhat Road, Kothrud, Sahakarnagar and Maharshi Nagar, in the absence of 'silent zone' signboards, the residents chipped in to install signboards.

WorkshopsThe PMC has organised workshops at its Indradhanusha Environment and Citizen Centre in Rajendra Nagar near Mhatre Bridge. "Information gatherers from among the citizens will put together an Environmental Status Report and through this workshop we will be able to identify the locations where silent zone signs are really required," said Naresh Zurmure, chief garden superintendent, PMC.